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Topic Review (Newest First)

08-01-2013 03:47 PM

zz4gta

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

You looking for solid red or white w/ a red tracer/fleck?

MLX isn't that bad. Price out Endurabraid or other spectra cored lines.

07-30-2013 07:59 PM

kellysails

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

We have XLS on our spinnaker sheets, we love it. The 5/16 XLS does come in red btw.
I am thinking of replacing our jib sheets with XLS now.

07-30-2013 04:09 PM

cptmclark

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

So many ideas, all appreciated. Concerning budget, I'll spend more money if I'm confident that I'll be able to see a noticeable difference in the hand comfort, and in the weight of sheets in extremely light air, which we get around here in the summer. Of course I don't want to throw money away where I can't tell a difference on a 23 with 150 genoa.
I see differening opinions on what feels good in the hand.

Is polyester on polyester truly the best feeling and running line for hand held use? If I could get half the weight with equal hand that's the way I'll go. Color is a factor too, and I've been looking for red. Some don't come in red. Maybe I'm just slow, but this shouldn't be so hard.

Thank you for all the input.

07-30-2013 02:19 PM

Alex W

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

I like XLS or NE Ropes Sta-Set pretty well for genoa sheets. It's comfortable stuff in the hand. 3/8" or so works well. I like to put an eye splice in the end (either with spliced in dyneema tails or just into the double braid) then attach it with a small soft shackle to get a fitting that isn't dangerous and that won't hang up on shrouds.

Trophy Braid has a very different casing that I don't like as much in the hand. It also absorbs water like nothing else, which means the sheets get pretty heavy if the lazy sheet ends up in the drink.

MLX is very expensive for this application.

07-30-2013 01:59 PM

zz4gta

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

No need to go top shelf on a 23 footer.

If you want to go fancy and mid grade, you have a few options.
Blended Single braids:
Bzzz line - tight line with a solid feel
Apex - more flexible and comfy, sizes run large, make sure your blocks will work with it.
Salsa - slick at first but breaks in nicely, sizes are true.
Swiftcord - runs a little thick and it's grippy but has good hand. A little tough to splice, and pricey.

IMHO I don't think you're looking for that kind of expense. Look into Regatta braid from NER. About the same price as sta-set, but a better hand. New England Ropes - Product Details

Blended Double braids:
Samson MLX
NER VPC

I'm using MLX on my mainsheet and really like it. It runs well, you can strip it, the cover is tighter so it's a bit harder to splice. I really like the colors as well. I think this made it on the boat in 2011 or 2012? Very little wear so far but not on a winch.

I'm using VPC as my primary jib sheets and have been pleased as well. We typically use winches and race the boat hard and they're holding up ok. Bought them in 2009. This year I flipped the cover around and "double ended them" as they were getting fuzzy.

No reason to go Gucci on sheets for a small boat. What's your budget?

07-29-2013 03:38 PM

overbored

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

on your 23' boat 1/4" would be strong enough but you are should use line for it's comfort and grip xls is the best for this if you want less stretch then go warpspeed

07-29-2013 03:29 PM

overbored

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

MLX to me is slippery and hard to hold on to but I only used it when it was new and not worn in. we got rid of it way before it got worn in if it ever will. did not like it, slides right through your hans

07-29-2013 03:10 PM

cptmclark

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

How does XLS compare to MLX? I'm told MLX has much less stretch, but which is easier on the hands, grippier on the winch and cleats normally? Other ideas.
I do appreciate all the input.

07-29-2013 02:10 PM

overbored

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

take a look at XLS it is stronger, easier on the hands. better on the winch and cheaper. also a polyester double braid

07-29-2013 01:42 PM

zz4gta

Re: Replacing 5/16 genoa sheets

It is a little tough on the hands. Trophy's cover doesn't last real long on a winch, but it'll work just fine. When easying the line quickly it can burn more than other double braids. A lot of dinghy sailors like it.

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